Museum dedicated to the history of Paterson’s Hinchliffe Stadium opens its doors
Montclair State University officials in partnership with the city of Paterson cut the ribbon on the museum on Thursday.
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Decades after Negro Leagues baseball was played at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, the Charles J. Muth Museum honoring the stadium's legacy and prominent players opened its doors.
Joseph Fulmore Sr. couldn't believe all this history was in his backyard.
"This is a renaissance...to come and reminisce and reflect on life and history," said Fulmore.
Montclair State University officials in partnership with the city of Paterson cut the ribbon on the museum on Thursday. The stadium is only one of two still standing from the Negro Leagues era.
"We're able to tell a story that many people don't know," said Baye Adofo-Wilson, Hinchliffe Stadium co-developer.
The museum documents Hinchliffe Stadium's rich Negro Leagues history and more. It's named after Paterson native and MSU alum Charles Muth, who donated $5 million to the project.
Muth says he hopes the museum provides educational opportunities for Paterson and Montclair State University students.
"There's such a rich history, and it's history of the stadium and how much it's meant to bring these diverse cultures in the city together as one," said Muth.
Officials say the museum doesn't just share the contributions of great athletes, but it details a story that transcends sports.
"Twenty Hall of Famers played here, so the quality of baseball here was tremendous...it's the part of New Jersey being a part of the ripple that ended segregation and creates more diversity in society," Adofo Wilson said.
"Larry Doby who broke the color line in the American League was from Paterson. He had his original tryout for the Newark Eagles right here at this stadium, and it really launched his career and the role that he played in the integration of baseball," said Johnathan Koppell, the president of Montclair State University.
The museum is still looking to build its collection. If you have any memorabilia from Hinchliffe Stadium and would like to donate, you can contact Jessica Bush, the museum director, at cameronbushj@montclair.edu.
